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Home > Clayton.Talk > Archives > 2007 > December > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClayton County: Reality vs. perception
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No one disputes the fact that Clayton County has some problems, just like other metro Atlanta counties.
Although many (including some Clayton residents, unfortunately) thrive on the idea that we are a lost cause and our problems are unsolvable.
I read a recent ajc.com blog where someone repeatedly referred to Clayton as a “cesspool.” I have also met folks who speak negatively about Clayton and in the next breath admit they have never been here before because they were told to steer clear.
I don’t know about you, but these impressions bother me, and we have not lived here nearly as long as some.
Despite this, there are still many people who love living here (myself included) and do not want to move. Many are homeowners who have lived here for years and some are newcomers.
Recently, numerous Clayton residents met with Realtors and county officials via the Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association to discuss ways to improve our image.
Opinions ranged from getting more residents involved in community affairs, such as attending board of education and county commission meetings, where policy is set, to calling code enforcement on your neighbor if need be. (To report code violations, call 678-610-4755, 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday.)
The number one response was getting residents educated on potential candidates running for elected office.
As residents, what else can we do to help improve Clayton’s image and silence the naysayers?
(P.S. - If you managed to get out of dodge, congratulations to you. But we do not need any more negativity here. If you have nothing constructive to add to this conversation (especially if you no longer live here) please don’t waste everyone’s time. Thank you!)
Permalink | Comments (60) | Post your comment | Categories: Kimberly Allen
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Comments
By Bon
December 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
about Clayton County! I have lived here since 1968. Sure it has changed some for the best and some for the worst but I love this county. The real problems here began when Clayton county government wanted to introduce mass transit to clayton county. I remember it was voted down by the people of Clayton County, yet just a few years later the government implemented C-Tran against the citizens disapproval! That’s when trouble began. I refuse to leave just because of a few unwelcome individuals that would love for me to leave. I stand up and deal with the issues! The Government let us down and constantly and continually do to this day. It’s our fault for trusting them and voting for them but honestly we don’t have much of a choice in the matter! Not many trustworthy government officials are available to bring change and too many people are scared of change, though change is what got us here!!
By Resident for Change
December 17, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Clayton County was a great place to be. The problem started when the county began accomodating Section 8 tenants. Develop county policies and a strict oversight program for these folks and we will notice an immediate improvement.
The other problem was when residents voted blindly for individuals in 2004 who did/still do not have the qualification for their positions. This has compounded the problem. Rid the cancer from the school board, elect a new sheriff, DA, and Commissioner and we’ll see steady improvement.
By Clayton Parent
December 17, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Clean up Tara Blvd. It’s an eye sore.
By Rusty
December 17, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Resident for change, I agree 100% with what you said,especially the sec.8 slums.However, you know as well as I do that if you try to hold anyone actually accountable you will hear the “R” word shouted from the highest mountaintop.This is only gonna get worse.
By Sgt Rock
December 17, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
As reported in the AJC and Clayton News-Daily, Clayton County has expereinced a 20% decline in home values due to the ineptness and potential criminality of elected officials. The Clayton County Real Estate Assoc. has called for the resignation of all members of the Board of Education.
The Clayton County Board of education is again under investigation for improprieties by SACS, the accrediting authority. This is the second investigation in as many years the first resulting is loss of accreditation which left many high school graduates ineligible for the HOPE scholarship or even entry into a university. Land deals are in question wherein the Board paid millions to developers over what the land was really worth. The leadership of the Bd. President Erika Davis and Vice President Rod johnson is dispicable.
The Sheriff, Victor Hill has cost the tax payers millions in law suit damages due to his posting of snipers on the roof top when he illegally terminated 27 deputies.
He recently plead guilty to ethics violations and was fined for using tax payer dollars for his re-election campaign.
The Clayton County Commissioners recently commissioned a study to define Economic Development for the County. The results were presented at the most recent Meeting and the result were less than stellar stating that obvious opportunties for econimic development were ignored, mis-handled or igonred. All this under the less than watchful eye of Commissioner Eldrin Bell, fomer police chief of Atlanta.
Whilst neighboring counties, Fayette and Henry thrive, Clayton County wallows in its on filth and corruption.
Crime runs rampant. Not only gang warfare but from run of the mill thugs. the elected judges offer no respite as their philosophy is to offer non-judiacial punishment. It took three years to bring a potential child molester ex-Police Officer in front of a Grand Jury. Could there have been protectionism going on here? In other words, Prosecuting Attorney Jewel Scott and Magistrate Judge Daphne Walker lets offenders walk free for heinous crimes.
To read more, learn more visit www.give-em-the-boot.com/smf/index.php
Help end this nightmare. Governor Purdue, please intercede on behalf of the Citizens of Clayton County and end this madness.
Homeowners and Businesses, until you see an empirical, quantifiable change to Clayton County, don’t move here or open a business here.
See the Forum at www.give-em-the-boot.com
By Baby Please
December 17, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
I think my remark was smart allecky. So, I won’t say it. LOL.
By Laverne
December 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
I think my remark was smart allecky. So, I won’t say it. LOL.
By Maysie
December 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
I agree that the registered voters in this county need to really research candidates. the 2008 election will be make or break for Clayton and we need to choose wisely, not based on race or color either, but voting for the most qualified and best candidates running at the time.
If we continue to choose as we did in 2004, this county is doomed for failure.
If anyone knows where I can sign a recall petition for the school board, please post it here. We need to get those jokers out of office ASAP regardless of the accreditation issue plays out.
By Alan
December 17, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
I remember it was voted down by the people of Clayton County, yet just a few years later the government implemented C-Tran against the citizens disapproval!
MARTA was voted down in 1971. I believe C-Tran was approved July of 2000, and implemented the following year. And no, these problems were here long before C-Tran. It’s about time we moved into the 20th century here. Buses aren’t enough, let the trains come here too. It’s sad that people have this sort of misconception that mass transit is bringing crime here. It’s just simply not the case.
By t williams
December 17, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
BEWARE
inqiring minds see that the website give-em-the-boot.com is a John Trotter sham!
BEWARE
inquiring minds see that the John Trotter Board of Education puppet Norreese Haynes receives favorable coverage on give-em-the-boot. Other Board Members don’t get the same treatment.
BEWARE
inquiring minds realize that John Trotter intends to control Clayton County schools no matter what! John Trotter cares nothing about your children, he only cares about power and control and revenge.
BEWARE
inquiring minds see that John Trotter will ruin the Clayton County schools again.
John Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
By Ernest
December 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
I applaud Ms. Allen for her commentary. Though I am not a resident of Clayton County, I understand her main points, this is my home and I don’t like the picture many are painting about where I live. Every place has its ‘skeletons’. It’s important that there is a balance between broadcasting the good along with the bad.
Resident for Change, I believe some of your concern should be directed at those that ‘own’ those properties that were converted to section 8 in addition to the occupants. Absentee landlords have done more to undermine communities throughout the country than anything else. If they would ensure the tenants are maintaining the property and being respectful of their neighbors instead of simply cashing the government check, we all might be better off.
I also agree with Alan, public transportation works in DC and the Northeast. Everyone uses it. It is a vital component to economic development and businesses use it as a ‘check off’ item when determining where to establish operations. We are more of a service economy rather than manufacturing. A strong public transportation network is vital both for the environment and continued economic growth.
Keep your head up, Clayton County. Hopefully things will get better soon.
By Scott
December 17, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Reality would be the absolute WORST place to live in all of metro Atlanta! Perception will be the absolute WORST place to live, work, and shop in all of metro Atlanta!
By Jim A.
December 17, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
I’m A Clayton resident. We have the best location in Atlanta for affordable housing and transportation i.e. interstates, airport, We have it all, except a lousy school system. That is the one thing that must improve, and it can start with hiring of the right superintendent. If we end up with another Pulliam or Duncan type we will just continue to deteriorate. P.S. Let’s all please ignore this t.williams character and his John Trotter chant. He makes no sense.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 17, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
t williams,
Once again you want to perpetrate the myth that the give-em-the-boot website is a Dr. Trotter creation. I’m going to type r-e-a-l s-l-o-w so you can comprehend this.
1) The administrator of the give-em-the-boot website has already posted that he is NOT Dr. Trotter.
2) The administrator was posting on the give-em-the-boot website Saturday night while Dr. Trotter was hosting the union’s annual party. Meaning there’s a hotel full of witnesses that can verify that Dr. Trotter wasn’t even THINKING about the give-em-the-boot website, much less posting on it.
3) Most of the discussion on the board has to do with Victor Hill, NOT MACE, Dr. Trotter or the school board. But as pertains to the school board, there is SIGNIFICANT debate on the forum as to whether or not the problem is certain board members or the ENTIRE board. It is hardly a “pro Dr. Trotter website”.
What’s that “pinging” sound you just heard? Why it’s t williams’ neuron bouncing around his cranium, trying to process what he just read. Mind you, that’s neuron, NOT neurons.
What’s next t williams, a post detailing how Dr. Trotter is working with the Illuminati and the Trilateral Commission to pave the way for an alien invasion of Earth?
By Tara
December 17, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
Maysie,
An article on the ajc.com website stated that ‘The Realtors association and several other groups have scheduled an open forum for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center on Rex Road to discuss the accreditation investigation.’ It also stated mentioned information regarding the petition. For those of us who are concern about the issues involving the CCPS and our community should really attend this meeting and invite all that you know so that our voices and concern will be heard. Here is the link posted on 12/13/07: http://209.85.207.104/search?q=cache:HNX8HIrFjAEJ:www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/clayton/stories/2007/12/13/clayboard1214web.html+Carl+Rhodenizer+Recreation+Center&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us
By Jay
December 17, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
I want to thank T. Williams for pointing me to the website www.give-em-the-boot.com as I found it and have very much appreciated the information it offers. Those who created it, I applaud you. I am going to promote it to all my friends, family, and acquaintances because it is constructive dialogue about getting our County back on track. I will be tuning in daily and joining in the discussions. Thank you, T. Williams.
It’s obvious that “T Williams” has not read the commentary there but may be somehow intimidated or afraid of some truth to it? It’s informative, has insightful ideas, and is the kind of constructive dialogue our County needs for very much needed change. There is just as much non-support for Mr. Haynes as there are others. I have read only one poster who seems to be fully pro-Haynes.
It seems to be the Clayton County Think Tank we have desperately needed in light of the lack of dialogue with residents and productive actions by our elected officials. Those who post there seem to have Clayton County in their best interests. I encourage anyone with the intent of bettering Clayton County to take a look and decide for themselves.
By t williams
December 17, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
inquiring minds see that John Trotter and his various identities have been active again…
ah, yes, inquiring minds chant ignore that man behind the curtain it’s certainly NOT John Trotter.
JOhn Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
iquiring minds say give-em-the-trotter all of the John Trotter identities out there!
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 17, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
t wiliams,
Good Lord. You can’t deal with the evidence that ANYBODY can see that the give-em-the-boot website is not a sham board for Dr. Trotter, so now you claim that “Jay” AND “Attn: Clayton Parents” are both Dr. Trotter?
Please what’s next, are you going to post on here that Norreese Haynes is homeless?
Oh I forgot, you actually DID post that one the other day.
Still waiting for your “Dr. Trotter is pulling the strings for the Illuminati as they prepare for the alien invasion” mangum opus. At least THAT would have more credibility that what you’ve posted so far
By Old Timer
December 18, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Clayton for a little over seventeen years now and have yet to see crime “run rampant” in my area/ not to say there are not areas where crime doesn’t run rampant in Clayton, every county has it’s bad areas although those counties probably will not admit to that.
The most crime I have experienced is someone stealing my newspaper on a Sunday morning & I can count on one hand how many times that has happened in seventeen years. I like those odds.
I used to read the news-daily forums that are now shut down. That new website looks like more of the same tripe. A bunch of people sitting around complaining but doing little to help make any changes, placing blame and waiting for someone else to fix things. Sure you guys posted a few helpful websites now and again, but basically all you do is complain and now that news-daily has shut you out, you are running elsewhere and bringing that same nonsense with you.
I love Clayton, it is not perfect, but I am not going anywhere. Hell I was here first! What we are experiencing is called gentrification folks. This too shall pass but we have to help it along. Fighting and arguing about past events is not going to accomplish anything.
I hope everyone will show up at that meeting at the Rex center tomorrow evening. We need to show the powers that be that the citizens are still running this county, and that we care.
And congrats to the CCPD for capturing that person who killed 2 people on Thanksgiving morning. Keep up the GREAT work!
By Maysie
December 18, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Tara - thank you so much for that info! I also found this info elsewhere re: the same meeting. Anyone in Clayton concerned with the state of our public school system should be in attendance:
8The association will also gauge the thoughts of the community on Thursday, when it hosts a public meeting from 7 p.m., to 9 p.m., at its office, at 1671 Adamson Pkwy., Morrow. The meeting will give residents an opportunity to tell the association if they want to see the Board of Education removed from office.*
By Maysie
December 18, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
To add onto the original topic, this is something else we can do as a community - sharing information so we can all be aware of what is going on, and band together when necessary to right the wrongs going on in our county.
Clayton, unlike our neighboring counties, do not have enough resources such as this for citizens to gather, come together and share info and organize to make changes in this county.
By georgia peach
December 18, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
c-tran is not the problem, it isn’t the entire clayton county that is plaqued with problems, majority of the problems in clayton county are near riverdale. riverdale, lithonia, southwest dekalb, ellenwood to name a few have been overrun with section-8 tenants, ex-project dwellers, and illegal immigrants. for whatever the reason these new dwellers have brought with them gangs, drugs, prostitution, increase in theft, breakins, etc….this is what the problem is….not rapid transit.
By Webster
December 18, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Old Timer,
You may want to check your definition of what gentrification is. It is certainly NOT happening in Clayton County. In parts of Atlanta, yes…Clayton County…No.
By t williams
December 18, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Hmmm!
inquiring minds want to know what address Norreese Haynes uses for his legal residence for the district he serves on Clayton County School Board.
Hmmm!
inquiring minds see that Norreese Haynes does not reside at the original address given as his legal residence.
RAPE
inquiring minds understand that Norreese Haynes lived with a person accused of RAPE while in that first address given for legal residency for the Board of Education slot.
RAPE
inquiring minds remember that Norreese Haynes had a problem with a previous School Board election with his legal residency.
Hmmm!
inquiring minds want Norreese Haynes to invite SACS Investigators to his legal residence and provide proof of his legal residency.
Hmmm!
By MC
December 18, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
I grew up and lived in Clayton County for most of my life. I moved when the kids in the neighborhood started stealing things out of my garage during the middle of the day while I was home. These children didn’t have parents that cared what they were doing. They stole my kids dirt bike and when I called the police they went straight to their house and found it. The police actually told me that they had been arrested 2 weeks before for stealing a car and were already out of jail. If you don’t believe that mass transit is a cause of crime and loss of property value think again. Look at Lenox Mall today compared to what it was 20 years ago. When you have mass transit and weekly stay hotels you have the perfect combination for transients. I come to Clayton County and run a business every day and it breaks my heart to see what has happened to where I grew up. I can remember when it was impressive to say that you lived in Riverdale and now all I hear about is how bad the crime is in Riverdale. Out of the 20 plus employees here, we only have 3 that actually live in Clayton County and when we try to hire someone all we get is illiterate people who can barely speak english (and they were born in the US, not immigrants). Then they actually get mad because we won’t hire them! I hope that somehow this county will turn it around and make it a great place to live again. It could happen, it did in Grant Park.
By ROCKMAN1
December 18, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Those who say get rid of the entire board are lazy and not pratical. We the citizens need to get off our backsides and do the NECESSARY RESEARCH on potential canidates. Don’t just lower your heads into the water then when the trouble starts you want to scream from the highest mountain. Not everyone on the board is bickering.
By Ernest
December 18, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
MC:
I hear your frustration but I still contend the existence of mass transit is NOT the problem. Take a look at the article in today’s AJC about how are lack of a unified mass transit system could impact future economic development:
Warning about transportation problems
By WTF?
December 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Rockman1 - my problem with your logic is those “other” school board members are not stepping up and speaking out against their counterparts who are doing the dirt. That makes me wonder if they are just as guilty but haven’t been caught yet.
Even with everything that is going on, we still have heard zip from those other members who are supposedly so innocent. If there was ever a time to step up, that would be here and now.
But concur with you & Ms. Allen that the residents of this county need to research ALL candidates running in 2008 and vote according to experience and accomplishments and NOT based on race.
If not, we are in for more of the same stuff we’re currently stewing in.
By Kevin
December 18, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Clayton county used to be a nice place to live. In 1996 when the city of Atlanta moved all the govt housing out, guess where everyone came?….here. Thus we see city of atlanta type leadership across the board and see shootings and all kind of thugish gangster stuff. Clayton county used to have some of the best schools i.e. Jonesboro, Mount Zion and so on. Now 1/2 the kids are can not read or do math. It starts with leadership from the top and the school board members are so self served and stupid. If something doesn’t change this county is damned to hell. We need more and different type leadership which needs to include a diverse racial makeup other than black. Obviously that has not worked in the city of atlanta and it will not work here. Quit being corrupt school board members, Victor Hill is a fraud
By Robin
December 18, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
My first move to Clayton County was Forest Park…I moved out of there because it became a crime ridden dump of a city…I moved to Jonesboro, it became a crime ridden dump of a city….so I moved to Fayette County….and all the crime and nastiness is just working it’s way down GA HY 85. Let’s get real..Southlake Mall is a piece of crap dumpy mall, that whole area has gone to heck….Tara Blvd….what a dump it is….look at the housing around Southern Regional Medical Center….it’s all gone down hill..wake up people..Clayton County has gone to he** so fast…it’s pitiful. We got no decent places to eat dinner or shop in Clayton County….it’s over run with kids who wear their pants so big that the entire county could fit inside, they carry guns and knives…..it used to be a great place to live back in the early 80’s….but it’s just one off from the ghetto now. I avoid driving through Clayton County as much as possible.
By steverino
December 18, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
From Alan: “It’s sad that people have this sort of misconception that mass transit is bringing crime here. It’s just simply not the case.” I don’t think mass could bring any more crime INTO Clayton county. We are already filled to the brim on that account. But maybe mass transit could export crime OUT of Clayton County. You know, spread the love into other nearby communities, share what we do best here in Clayton county-crime, corruption and incompetence.
By Nikita
December 18, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Clayton county is a nice place to live. There are a lot of improvement needed however. We are a county that only caters to families, and that is a problem because people are marrying later. Singles should have a place in the area to enjoy themselves without going to ATL or Old National. That is part of the problem too with bringing in new businesses. We need new large business in our county, but where are the professional people who will work there or will be willing to move there? Our educational system being in the pits do not assist with this issue at all. Our transit system is slow and needs, much like MARTA has, someone who comes around and observes the drivers and the riders to spot and solve issues and problems. Where are the C-TRAN police? Do they have any?
Section 8 renters is a big issue. Not only in Clayton but in Fairburn, Union City and parts of ATL etc. Since we do have so many folks who have clearly never owned a home, no nothing about community pride etc. I would love to see Clayton getting HUD involved with assisting people with classes about what they will have to do to fit in the community and maintain a home. HUD should also enforce some rules when they move into the homes, esp. for the first 2 years when folks move into new communities. I would also like to see Clayton County - all counties really- force folks who lease their homes to give out their number for contact purposes to their former neighbors. Home values go down because the owners of the homes are NOT held responsible for the abuse by SOME Section 8 folks of their home (which is crazy!!). How are you going to rent and make a profit if all of the neighbors leave and the community goes down? It is just crazy to me. Also I think for people to move into a community and not have to earn little to nothing to pay for the home, food, and utilities must stop. If someone is purchasing their home for $950-$1100 per month, and the landlord is adding and additional 200-400 dollars as a profit, the person in the home should have to pay 35-40% of the costs of renting the home ($1500 a month lease/ section 8 person pays $600). They will never value anything if it is continuously given to them. In addition, the county and the cities need to have the same standard across the board for homes, yards, cars, how many persons in the home etc. Standards are also needed for the buildings (please cease all the strip malls behind or in front of recently built homes!!) If these changes are made, plus if we as residents make the folks we put in office accountable for what is going on things will change for the better.
By Nikita
December 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Oh, and for the record, there are sites that specifically assist Section 8 renters to locate a home in Clayton County. Check it out at http://www.gasection8.com/pa/Services.aspx#PM
Personally, as a native of GA, what is happening here is the same thing that happened to SW Atlanta near Douglass High School, and Bankhead. The media really did a job on that area. All you heard were bad things about the neighborhood. All of a sudden, you hear little to nothing about these neighborhoods. Why? They have value because they are close to downtown ATL. If you have lived here for a while, you know this is true. This is how the media here works. Until of course there is interest and money to be made with the neighborhood. This is true of Grant Park, the West End, Kirkwood etc. Until they find another area to pick on, Clayton is their favorite place to focus. If you have relatives or friends who live anywhere else in Metro ATL it is not only us, but we are regularly given all the attention when it comes to bad news.
By Corry Hayward
December 18, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
The primary problem in ClayCo is that a lot of citizens make their homes here, but only a few get involved and take pride in their community. I have been a citizen since 2000 and I love living here. I hear a lot of residents complain about the current county government, when the fact of the matter is that these officials are elected by us and are expected to manage the county in an orderly, dignified, and professional manner. Instead of us complaining to each other, let’s go to the next county commission meeting and voice our opinions directly to the ones who have the power to make a change and a difference.
Secondly, I hear a lot of unfavorable opinions on the Housing Choice Program (Section 8). What is bad about the program? Section 8 is not what it was a decade ago, dilapidated housing, tenants who were too lazy to work, welfare recipients, etc. It has evolved to help the people who work and have families or disabilities and still cannot make ends meet in a housing market where the median income will not allow you to purchase a median priced home. It accommodates people like your mom, sister, dad, and perhaps you and me. The way I interpret the data for Clayton County’s residents is that quite a few of us are only a few paychecks away from needing programs like Section 8. So bourgeois citizens keep living and I guarantee that one day you will be the recipient of a helping hand, whether it comes in the form of Section 8, or a prayer from a friend! Public transit, what data suggests that criminal acts were committed by C-Tran riders? Think hard, None! Do you sit in traffic daily along Tara Blvd, Hwy 85, and I-75, and have the audacity to complain about C-Tran. Just think how much money, fuel, and adverse acts on the environment we would save if more citizens used C-Tran, GRTA, and hopefully soon the commuter line between Lovejoy and Atlanta. Wise up citizens, there is a lot that we can do collectively to improve the image of the county and to combat the spike in crime. We could actively participate in the neighborhood watch programs, leave a security light on at night, get to know your neighbors, obtain a firearm and a firearms permit, volunteer at your kids’ school, create hoa’s, attend zoning hearings, and one more for the road; Vote and vote for the candidate that you truly feel is best qualified for the job !
Corry Hayward
By John Stewart
December 18, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Some real simple steps to change Clayton County.
Be educated about who you vote for.
Be involved with what happens if you have a child in school. Attend parent teacher conferences and attend school board meetings when possible.
Know about the local politics in the county. See first point.
2008 is a great opportunity to put people in office that have a genuine interest in Clayco. Let’s get all the bovine excrement officials that hold office in Clayco out!!!
By Nikita
December 18, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
There is nothing wrong with Section 8. However, if the people who live in their new communities want to treat those of us who do care about our neighborhood like we are bourgeious instead of folks who simply care for their homes and community there IS a big problem. Being politically correct is not gonna solve the problem. Section 8, by the way is suppose to be a temporary solution, not the only one. The state of GA needs lower rent homes in every community. People who have Section 8 vouchers can go back to school and get a job/career etc. to make a better life for themselves. It is hard work for all of us, heck it is hard to keep a job too. I DO work full time and take 3 classes in the evening, so I KNOW it is doable. It does no one person any good when they do not have to earn or be appreciative of their keep. Senior citizens have paid their costs, veterans have, children are to be taken care of and raised to be productive. Able bodied adults who have the ability and the wherewithal to return to school, get a part time job and take care of their communities SHOULD do so. Are all Section 8 folks abusive and dirty and disrespectful to their neighbors and communities, NO. But too many feel that if they care for their home or their community, if there is no drama and no mess that they are not comfy and the neighborhood is boring because it is quiet and that the folks who are there, again are BOURGEOIS instead of Hard-Working, trying to hold on to their homes, cars and life folk who want a little quiet and NO drama. I have family members who have these vouchers and they do well, keep their place clean etc., but they TOO will inform you that there are some who are abusing the homes and communities that they live in. This is not, for me anyway, a monetary or class issue. That is why I suggested classes first and then having HUD periodicaly check out the home for 2 years so that the folks can adjust. This and the education situation IS affecting the perception of Clayton to the point the realtors are getting concerned because or home sales are dropping.
By Rusty
December 18, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Corry,there is absolutely something wrong with Sec 8 housing.It rewards bad decisions.If you have children you can’t afford then you go without!Hard working,tax paying people should not be FORCED to subsidize underachievers so that they may enjoy the same quality of life that actual HOMEOWNERS do. How is this fair? How can this be justified? If the rent/mortgage is X amount and you don’t earn X amount then live somewhere else! I’d like to live on Lake Spivey but I don’t, ya know why? Because I don’t make X amount of money.Do I expect the taxpayers to SUBSIDIZE my payment so I can? No.Ya know why? Because it’s not fair! It’s all relative folks. What’s wrong with Clayton? It’s being eaten by parasites!
By Kathryn Brown
December 18, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
some how we need to raise the consciousness of the residents here in Clayton. Most people have the W.I.I.F.M (What’s In It For Me) attitude. We need to educate the people on how taking ownership in our community benefits us as a whole and individually. The people need motivation and inspiration. Not threats. The first time I saw Victor Hill’s billboard signs I thought, “Nazi Germany”.( No this, No that or I’m going to arrest you!!) I will support a candidate with integrity and who can unify the community. Change must come from within the individual. Public officials should try to reach out to every individual including non-voters.The state of our community is a reflection of what the people in the community are feeling inside. Keep your heads up everyone! Winter always turns to spring!
By t williams
December 19, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
John Trotter
John Trotter
inquring minds see that John Trotter* and his various identities don’t want to touch the problem of where *Norreese Haynes actually *lives. Why not, John Trotter? It should be easy for you or one of your identities to set that record straight, that is if a legal address exists for your puppet Norreese Haynes.
Hmmm?
inquiring minds see that on the John Trotter sham website give-em-the-boot John Trotter in one of his various identities has been bringing up that red herring of the land deal. Now come on John Trotter you know you only care about that because you didn’t get any money out of that deal.
inquiring minds know from the record that 8 Board Members voted for that land deal, so why all the fingerpointing at Erica Davis? Hmmm?
inquiring minds believe that you are targeting Erica Davis so that your pupppet Norreese Haynes can slide through the important things John Trotter wants like that Community Education Partners deal. Hmmm?
inquiring minds want to know how much cash John Trotter and his lackey Norreese Haynes will gain from that Board decision about Community Education Partners. Hmmm?
inquiring minds want to know about that accused RAPIST that Norreese Haynes reportedly lived with when he ran for the Board. Did that accused RAPIST assist his roommate Norreese Haynes in campaiging for the Board? Hmmm?
VIRUS DATA
VIRUS DATA
VIRUS DATA
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 19, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
t williams,
First of all your credibility is ZERO after you said John Trotter was a poster who was posting at the EXACT same time Dr. Trotter was at a function with an entire hotel’s worth of witnesses.
After that you said that Norreese Haynes was homeless and sleeping in an office park and so now your credibility is LESS than zero.
What inquiring minds really would like to know (out of a sense of morbid curiosity) is why LIMITED minds continue to expose just how intellectually bereft they truly are by posting?
One final example before class is dismissed: Why the “fingerpointing” at Ericka Davis when 8 people approved the land deal? Well, there’s no need to “fingerpoint” at people who are no longer on the board! The VOTERS took care of them. Plus while the remaining ones may have made an error in judgment, they didn’t compound it by CONSTANT micromanaging. Since you like to post so much that “inquiring minds would like to know” why don’t you post those micromanaging emails from Erika Davis, done on a STATE computer (on STATE taxpayers’ time so the readers can make up their own minds?
Last but not least, Ericka is the CHAIRMAN of the board. Ever hear of “the buck stops here”? I know for most people that’s a reference to Harry Truman, but for you I guess that’s when mommy takes you to the the Dollar Store, where you can pay the nice man at the counter a dollar for your coloring book.
Dismissed.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 19, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
t williams,
Not that your LACK of credibility needs to be established any further, but it was BARBARA PULLIAM who recommended the Community Education Partners to the board and NO ONE would ever accuse Pulliam of being a “MACE advocate” now would they?
Mommy needs to stop shopping for you at a dollar store. The lead in those crayons from China has obviously had a detrimental effect.
By ToMORROWweGo
December 20, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
If you really would like to know the problem with the school board, all you need to do is look who’s sitting on the BOARD.They are not interested in, nor have the ability to deal with the real issues that are present today. If it ain’t good for them, they don’t care. Has anyone ask them how many of their kids go to school in Clayton ???? Inquiring minds would love to know. That should be a must for sitting on the board. You can’t FIX STUPID !!!!!
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 20, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
With all the AJC’s attention on the SACS investigation, don’t you find it odd that they’ve said NOTHING about Rod Johnson’s wife “double dipping” even though an Open Records request has confirmed it?
Is the AJC looking for the ENTIRE truth or pushing an agenda?
By Tyler
December 20, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Of course the AJC are biased and pushing an agenda. What have you seen in the AJC about our corrupt congressman David Scott other than some soft commentary in a blog? I don’t expect anything less than that for reporting on Johnson’s wife ripping off tax payers.
By t williams
December 20, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
John Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
inquiring minds want you to know that inquiring minds are having a hard time keeping up with all your aliases on the internet, John Trotter.
inquiring minds see that you are upset that your puppet Norreese Haynes doesn’t seem like he’s going to get Community Education Partners passed. Therefore, John Trotter won’t be getting his money from Community Education Partners. Is that why John Trotter is so hellbent on destroying Erica Davis and Rod Johnson? Hmmm?
inquring minds state that all on the school board need to be FLUSHED. Not just Norreese Haynes but definately including Norreese Haynes.
inquiring minds believe John Trotter will have no trouble finding other MACE members like Michelle Strong to run for the board once they’re all FLUSHED. Then inquiring minds can go about finding out about the new John Trotter puppets.
NOTHING WILL IMPROVE WITH CLAYTON COUNTY SCHOOLS UNTIL JOHN TROTTER AND HIS VARIOUS IDENTITIES AND PUPPETS IS OUT OF THE PICTURE.
CLAYTONCOUNTYWHISLEBLOWER
CLAYTONCOUNTYWHISLEBLOWER
CLAYTONCOUNTYWHISLEBLOWER
Hmmm!
By Rusty
December 20, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Man, the guy that keeps chanting “John Trotter” is kinda nuts.
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 20, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
Re: Kinda nuts
While I readily admit I’m adamant it’s as if this guy is clearly not using the medication as prescribed on the label. Especially considering it was pointed out that people he claims are “John Trotter aliases” were posting on the Internet at the EXACT same time John Trotter was at a union function with an ENTIRE hotel’s worth of witnesses.
If that weren’t enough, people he claims are “John Trotter aliases” have posted that they want the ENTIRE school board removed. ALL OF THEM. Doesn’t exactly sound like a MACE position now does it?
I’m just waiting for him to post on Dr. Trotter’s connection to the Free Masons, the Illuminati, the Trilateral Commission, and the “fake moon landing of Apollo 11”
Hey t williams, Dr. Trotter is standing right behind you…BOO!
By Sean71
December 21, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Clayton county is not much different than any other county that I have observed in the metro area. Clayton, like so many other counties have their share of problems, but to blame the school board for a decrease in home sales is just plain ignorant. The homes in Clayton county are not selling because of the morgage crisis, and have you all ever stoped to think that mabe people are not relocating to Atlanta because of the lack of professional jobs(except for education and healthcare), the crime, and for goodness sake, the state of Ga. has the worse educational system next to S.C and Mississippi. These are all things that should be factored. The Atlanta/ metro area went crazy after the Olympics with residentual and commercial development. The prices for properties skyrocketed, knwoing damn well the salaries are not conducive. Face it, Atlanta has lost it’s bid for becoming the NY of the south. Real cities encompass all types of people, from all walks of life, and with varing income levels. You can’t have a city/county with only high end homes, or demolish public housing and give vouchers, this does not make you a city, it makes you a loser.
By Jim A.
December 21, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Sean71, You said in one sentence that to “blame the school board is ignorant” Then go on to state that “Ga. has the worst educational system next to S.C. and Mississippi” Well, Guess who has the worst educational system in the state of Ga. Where does that put us as a disireable place to move to? We cannot continue stick our heads in the sand. My chold goes to private school outside of the county and it angers me that I must do this but, there is no way I would ever send my child to a Clayton County school. The people looking for a house to buy will research the area and discover what all the people of Clayton County already know.
By getyourown
December 21, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Sean71 - You are incorrect. The housing situation in Clayton County has everything to do with the schools and by consequence the school board. Housing in Clayton County was languishing long before the current mortgage crisis. If one wanted to place blame, it could be equally put on the parents for not expecting more from our schools, the teachers and their children.
By Concern teacher
December 21, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I know there is crime everywhere, but I feel like we have failed our children in the homes and in the Clayton county school sys. I am a teacher and alot of kids today do not have positive role models in their lives to show them a positive road to travel, so they are becoming victims of the streets, and it is putting your life and mines in jeorpardy. I believe prevention is the key. As a county, if we don’t embrace our kids and show them that someone cares, we will continue to live in fear. I will continue to reside and teach in Clayton County because I will not run away from the problems. Regardless of the situation that we face as a community, at the of the day parents need to be parents and the community needs to help our kids instead of throwing them out with the trash.
By t williams
December 21, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Hmmm!
John Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
inquiring minds want to know just who are you John Trotter?
Hmmm?
inquiring minds see from a Clayton County Civil Case Inquiry that John Trotter did something legally that he does all the time on these blogs, viz., CHANGE HIS NAME.
inquiring minds direct all other inquiring minds to case number 2001CV0255408 where John Trotter had his name changed!
inquiring minds want to know if John Trotter actually is one individual or is John Trotter a mix of various personalities all rolled up into one obnoxious, overreaching, don’t-care-about-children-or-schools loudmouth who pulls the strings of his puppet Norreese Haynes.
Hmmm?
inquiring minds want to know if John Trotter will reply or if one of his various identities will reply?
Hmmm?
Oh yes, John Trotter
inquiring minds see where one of your various identities posted that LONG letter that your puppet Norreese Haynes allowed you to write for him and to post for him on the MACE website is NOW posted on your sham website give-em-the-boot. Again inquiring minds ask if you aren’t getting enough hits on your real website. Is the sham website making up for those lost hits?
Hmmm?
John Trotter
John Rhodes Trotter
John Alston Trotter
John Rhodes Alston Trotter
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 21, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
t williams,
So John Trotter has a middle name. Wow! And THAT is your defense for Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY hiring an accused (now indicted) child molester and having his wife ILLEGALLY double dipping from the Clayton schools?
Oh yeah, I forgot the other part of your case. Norreese Haynes is homeless and you saw him sleeping in an office park…in an ALIEN SPACESHIP that’s going to take over Clayton County.
Don’t you have a round of golf scheduled with O. J. Simpson, so you can discuss how you’ve found “the real killers”?
By Who Cares
December 21, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
Save your back and forth bickering for yourselves and do us all a favor and get on IM. Noone cares about John Trotters name change. Noone cares if he has different identities or if Norreese Haynes is a puppet. We don’t even care that T Williams is not a real name. The only thing that matters is significant improvement, continued results, ethics, and leadership so that the students in Clayton County aren’t getting the short end like they are now. The voters will decide who stays and who goes. It’s obvious who should be first to go. My view is that they’ve all burnt their bridges and need to hit the bricks.
By WTF?
December 21, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU “Who Cares” for being a voice of reason!
Why don’t you guys take your little spat over to that website you keep advertising here. No wonder you all got kicked off the News-Daily forums!
Better yet - GET A ROOM!
By t williams
December 24, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
John Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
inquiring minds might like that idea of getting a room. Here’s what inquiring minds suggest: Let’s get a room at the legal residence of your puppet Norreese Haynes. Yes John Trotter let us meet at the place where BOE Member Norreese Haynes claims his legal residency.
Hmmm?
inquiring minds see that John Trotter and his various identities have been busy at the John Trotter sham website give-em-the-boot. inquiring minds see that John Trotter and his various identities have been responding to John Trotter and his various identities and have even revamped the sham John Trotter website so that the school board forum is at the top. No need for the suckers to have to scroll down for your Norreese Haynes lies, eh John Trotter?
Hmmm?
inquiring minds like how John Trotter and his various identities changes capitalization rules and misspells obvious words in an orderly manner. Noone would ever guess that John Trotter and his various identities were at play now would they? Hmmm?
ANTI-AMERICAN
inquiring minds see how John Trotter and his various identities gloat about how the sham John Trotter website is hosted in Russia and China. Well now John Trotter have you so run through your list of pals that you must resort to totaliatarian states for support? It does seem appropriate though John Trotter for you to rely on China and Russia for support. inquiring minds know that you’ve wanted to be Clayton County diktator for a while!
Hmmm!
inquiring minds realize that *John Trotter would crawl on his belly for power and money.
Hmmm!
Prophet Earl
Prophet Earl
Prophet Earl
(That’s one of John Trotter identities for those not in the know. Prophet Earl just like his alterego John Trotter goes for tithes and missionary work in Brazil. Not to mention all those snooks to be snookered!)
Merry John Trotter
Merry John Trotter
Merry John Trotter
Boo!
Where’s the room or, is it a mangy weekly rental at the Econolounge?
Hmmm?
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Who cares,
You say it’s about “…significant improvement, continued results, ethics, and leadership…”? Well in that vein, here are some specific things Norreese Haynes has accomplished in less than one year on the board.
-exposed the MILLIONS overpaid in the land deal which led to A)a grand jury investigation that vindicated his concerns B)procedures being put in place that make it harder for it to happen in the future C) brought out information that may possibly lead to criminal charges in the future
-exposed, and stopped the “Pulliam Patronage Plan” an attempt by Barbara Pulliam to add hundreds of thousands of dollars in administrative salaries for “jobs” that she couldn’t even provide job descriptions for! (to give credit where credit is due, Ericka Davis also played a part in stopping this abuse of power on the part of Pulliam)
-passed a Teachers’ Bill of Rights that empowers a teacher to maintain the integrity of the learning environment by removing (for the entire day) a student who refuses to comply with the rules. How anybody criticizes this, given how discipline is COMPLETELY out of control in Clayton is beyond me; it is the first step in the right direction for “taking back the schools” so teachers can TEACH.
-was instrumental in exposing that Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY facilitated the hiring of an accused (now indicted) child molester, causing him to be fired before he could possibly harm any of Clayton’s students (how anyone comes on this forum and makes excuses for Rod Johnson in this case is INCOMPREHENSIBLE)
-exposed the fact that State Rep. Celeste Johnson has been “double dipping” drawing her paycheck from Clayton schools while away in the General Assembly, costing the taxpayers THOUSANDS of dollars.
If you want “ethics and leadership” these are SPECIFIC examples of accomplishment and good stewardship of the taxpayers’ dollar that aren’t, for the most part, being covered in the media.
And for those who care to educate themselves on the issues (as oppossed to being led by the nose by the AJC) you’ll see it’s not “the board” but rather certain members of the board that are the problem.
With the accomplishments of Haynes cited above, in addition to the detailed response he has given SACS to refute the allegations, I’d challenge someone to come on here and SPECIFICALLY refute his accomplishments cited above because I think the REAL problem is board members like Rod Johnson who are willing to throw the ENTIRE system under the bus (what does he care, he’s looking to run for higher office) because Norreese Haynes has put a stop to the Johnson family illegally helping themselves to “double dippings” of taxpayers’ moneys.
If this is not an accurate assessment of the situation, then to further educate the citizens of Clayton, come on here and post SPECIFICS as to why it’s not.
By t williams
December 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Norreese Haynes is falsely claiming authorship of the Teachers Bill of Rights. On the original John Trotter website, the Teachers Bill of Rights is attributed to Representative Darryl Jordan and is included in MACE legislative agenda. Falsely claiming authorship is called plagiarism in school. What is it called when a BOE Member does it?
Where does BOE Member Norreese Haynes actually live? He does NOT reside at the original address given for legal purposes to run for BOE. When he did reside at that address, his roommie was an accused RAPIST. It is one thing to propose someone for a job who has a RAPE accusation. It is another to share a home with a RAPIST. Does Norreese Haynes not care who he runs with? Oh I forgot…John Trotter puppet.
Patronage system? What do you think this current BOE problem is all about? Norreese Haynes and Lois Hunter were trying to become Chair and ViceChair of the BOE. Look up the minutes. John Trotter through his various BOE puppets has been trying to get a job with Clayton County schools for years! What we now see is sour grapes because John Trotter ain’t got no job at the County Office. Make Norreese Haynes Chair and see how quick John Trotter the puppetmaster gets hired on with Clayton County schools.
I have yet to be a Rod Johnson supporter. Get rid of him and all the rest of them on the BOE. Get rid of his wife too.
You keep ranting about the land deal that Norreese Haynes you say exposed. All I see is a loudmouth John Trotter wannabe making a big noise about dollars paid for the land. Only one BOE member voted against that land deal. All the rest voted for it. Based on all your inside knowledge gotten I guess from your close association with Norreese Haynes the culprits if there are any were in the Superintendent’s Office, not on the Board itself.
Norreese Haynes is CEO of MACE. A Clayton County school was picketed by MACE while Norreese Haynes sits as a BOE Member. Can you say conflict of interest? It sends all the wrong messages for Norreese Haynes to head an organization that actively trashes Clayton County Schools. You know, the organization he was elected to serve!
Community Education Partners anyone? John Trotter even got Victor Hill to sign a letter in support of Community Education Partners. BOE Member Norreese Haynes has moved heaven and earth to get Community Education Partners adopted by Clayton County Schools. Why? Word has it that money much money has been paid to MACE for this enterprise. Isn’t Norreese Haynes the CEO of MACE? If John Trotter has received money from Community Education Partners doesn’t that create an ethical problem for John Trotter CEO Norreese Haynes? Hmmm? Or, does graft not matter when it’s associated with John Trotter and MACE and Norreese Haynes?
WHAT IS NORREESE HAYNES LEGAL RESIDENCE? You keep ranting about wanting facts. Well John Trotter and your various identities give us this one fact: WHERE DOES YOUR PUPPET NORREESE HAYNES LIVE IN CLAYTON COUNTY LEGALLY?
By Attn: Clayton Parents
December 24, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
t williams,
Re: The Teachers’ Bill of Rights. THEY AREN’T THE SAME BILL! And I’m sure Norreese Haynes wouldn’t have ANY problem giving Rep. Jordan credit for being an influence on Haynes’ bill. Not exactly “plagiarism”.
As far as the “word” that CEP paid Haynes. Rod Johnson has TOTALLY recanted that accusation. Publicly. TWICE! (Why hasn’t the AJC reported on this, especially when the AJC reporter was at one of the board meetings where Johnson unequivocally recanted?)
Now all anybody needs to see as to how TOTALLY off the wall you are is that you have actually come on here and made excuses for Rod Johnson KNOWINGLY facilitating the hiring of an accused (now indicted!) child molester.
If you want me to concede the point that Norreese Haynes is homeless, and living in office park, while he plots with the Illuminati and the Trilateral Commission to be part of a “shadow government” when the alien take over, then I’ll concede your point.
However, I get the feeling most other readers will look at the SPECIFIC accomplishments of Haynes cited above and ask why you have no response, as well as wonder why, if you’re so concerned about things, have ZERO comment on Rod Johnson’s wife illegally “double dipping”.
By t williams
December 24, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
John Trotter
John Trotter
John Trotter
inquiring minds want YOU to prove that Rod Johnson knowingly knew that the fellow was an accused child molestor. Facts show that the fellow was a member of Interim Superintendent Gloria Duncan church! inquiring minds guess that Gloria Duncan must be just as BAD as Rod Johnson in this matter. Hmmm? Oh but, Gloria Duncan isn’t standing in the way of Community Education Partners passage. Hmmm?
RAPE RAPE
inquiring minds ask again why it is no problem for Norreese Haynes to share a home, bathroom, kitchen with an accused RAPIST but just the possibility that Rod Johnson put forth the name of someone accused of child molestion is worse?
PILFER PILFER
inquiring minds state that Celeste Johnson salary with Clayton County schools can easily be demanded back. Just like Fulton County schools has done with the teachers it overpaid Clayton County schools can simply demand repayment from Celeste Johnson. I say just do it Clayton County schools. And while you’re at it get that $500 back from Norreese Haynes too for that super-duper fax machine.
Hmmm?
inquiring minds want to know about check number 817923 paid by Community Education Partners on 07/10/2007 to Dr. John Trotter for Consultant 7/1-9/30/07 in the amount of $3,000.00 and signed by Phillip M. Kane on First Bank of Nashville and sent to Dr. John Trotter at the address listed for MACE on the MACE website: 175 Carnegie Place, Suite 121, Fayetteville, GA 30214.
Hmmm!
inquring minds want to know who* lying now?
Hmmm?
John Trotter
Prophet Earl
Norreese Haynes
Darryl Jordan